WOMAN
MAN
OUR IMPACT
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
The shift towards a fair future is in our hands. As a company, we acknowledge the responsibility of our actions and the significant influence our decisions carry. Brava wouldn't exist if it weren't for our dedication to production aligned with our mission: restoring trust in brands. We strive to revitalize the
belief that sustainability in the textile industry is achievable. To do so, we take care at every stage of the process to be in line with our values, minimizing our environmental impact by maximizing the lifespan of our garments.
Using organic and recycled materials instead of raw materials has saved enough water to supply 1,170 people for one year.
By avoiding the use of textiles with a significant environmental impact, enough energy has been saved to illuminate 211 homesfor one month.
Brava has been recognized as a B Corpfor meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
MATERIALS
At Brava, we meticulously select each material, working only with suppliers who share our
ethical and fair standards. We understand that sustainability is built on mindful production and support for the circular economy. Therefore, the materials used in our textiles come exclusively from globally certified crops, farms, and factories that adhere to rigorous standards of environmental and social respect. Additionally, we carefully manage and monitor our stock levels with the aim of reducing the amount of overstock.
The cotton used in our garments comes from farms that adhere to rigorous organic standards and hold internationally recognized certifications. In contrast to conventional cotton, the cultivation of this material avoids the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It relies on sustainable practices such as crop rotation and composting, thus promoting biodiversity and soil health. Additionally, this approach implies significant water savings, as organic soil management has the ability to better retain moisture.
- Present in 64.72% of our garments.
- 29,869,089 liters of water saved thanks to the use of organic cotton instead of conventional.
- On average, a cotton garment requires 2,500 liters of water, while garments made with organic cotton require 20% less water.
- Our organic cotton textiles bear certifications that ensure high standards of sustainability and ethical practices. These endorsements guarantee the absence of harmful toxic products to health and the environment, as well as the efficient use of natural resources that minimize environmental impact.
In 2023, 62,761 garments of organic cotton were produced, equivalent to 15.69 tons of this material.
The use of recycled cotton, obtained from fibers recovered from recycled products such as excess fabrics in production or discarded garments, actively supports the circular economy and promotes efficient and reduced use of resources.
- Recycled cotton results in a 90% reduction in water consumption and an 85-90% reduction in pesticide use compared to conventional cotton.
- On average, a garment made of recycled cotton requires 375 liters of water, as opposed to the 2,500 liters of water for a non-recycled cotton garment.
- A total of 2,190,837 liters of waterhave been
saved through the use of recycled cotton. - We have certifications that guarantee responsible sourcing of materials, traceability throughout the supply chain, and sustainable production practices under fair labor conditions.
- Recycled cotton, in addition to reducing carbon footprint, extends the lifespan of textile products, avoiding fabric waste and giving them a second chance. By avoiding cotton production from scratch, we ensure efficient use of natural resources and avoid unnecessary energy expenditure.
In 2023, 2,270 garments made of recycled cotton were produced, equivalent to 680kg of this material.
All the wool used in our fabrics comes only from farms certified as mulesing-free. These farms use only ethical practices, always ensuring animal welfare.
- All the wool used comes from sheep certified as merino.
- The shearing technique is always mulesing-free, ensuring animal welfare and certifying that no techniques are applied that could cause discomfort or harm to the sheep.
- The mulesing-free shearing process helps minimize negative impact on the sheep and aligns with our ethical expectations. Additionally, this approach seeks to promote more humane and responsible practices in the textile industry and avoid materials that may come from farms where animal safety standards are not ensured.
In 2023, we produced a total of 2,425 units with mulesing-free merino wool, equivalent to 1.21 tons of wool.
The use of recycled wool, obtained from discarded fabrics, represents a significant reduction in environmental impact. Transforming this discarded wool into recycled yarn eliminates the need to rely on new animal resources, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, recycled wool stands out for its noticeable water savings.
- Recycled wool saves up to 40% more water per kilo produced compared to conventional wool.
- A total of 2,491,280 liters of water have been saved using recycled wool.
- On average, a conventional wool garment requires 11,000 liters of water, while a recycled wool garment saves 4,400 liters per garment.
- 60% energy savings: a conventional wool garment
demands 3.5 kWh, whereas with recycled wool, it reduces to 2.1 kWh per garment. - As a natural fiber, merino wool does not pollute, as it decomposes into its natural base elements and can even be compostable.
In 2023, we produced a total of 2,320 garments with recycled wool, equivalent to 1.16 tons of wool.
The use of sustainable Ecovero viscose stands out as a highly responsible and sustainable option. All the viscose used in our production is certified with the Ecovero and Tencel seal from Lenzing, which guarantees not only that the fiber comes from responsible and certified wood sources, but also that the entire production process meets high environmental standards.
- It is present in 20.05% of the total garments produced.
- It saves up to 50% of water consumption compared to conventional viscose.
- A total savings of 20,461,112 liters of water has been achieved. While an average conventional viscose garment consumes 2,000 liters of water, Ecovero garments reduce this consumption to 1,000 liters per
garment. - The use of Ecovero contributes to significant energy savings, up to 60%. This translates to a total of 141,688 kWh of energysaved in the production process.
- The wood used is sourced from specially planted European forests to protect natural spaces and prevent deforestation.
- This fabric is also certified by Canopy, ensuring sustainability and transparency in its production.
In 2023, 20,343 units of sustainable Ecovero viscose were produced, equivalent to 5.09 tons.
Recycled polyester is primarily composed of used plastic bottles, old fishing nets, yarns, and recycled wool and paper carpets. Its production has a low environmental impact, especially compared to conventional polyester derived
mainly from petroleum. Additionally, this innovative fabric diverts plastic waste from landfills, contributing to the creation of durable and sustainable fibers for textile fabrics.
- The use of recycled polyester saves up to 40% more water per garment produced compared to conventional polyester.
- In terms of energy expenditure, recycled polyester consumes 40% less energy than conventional polyester.
- An average conventional polyester garment requires 12 kWh, while with recycled polyester, it is reduced to 4.8 kWh per garment.
- By avoiding the use of non-recycled polyester, a total savings of 1,527,220 liters of water and 18,982 kWh of energy has been achieved in the production process.
- All our recycled polyester is certified to attest to the use of recycled materials, ensuring the reduction of harmful impact on people and the environment, responsible production, and traceability of such materials.
In 2023, 6,884 units of recycled polyester were produced, equivalent to 1.03 tons.
Recycled polyamide yarn is produced using recycled materials, in contrast to conventional polyamide obtained from raw materials such as crude oil. By not relying on virgin resources, recycled polyamide significantly contributes to reducing plastic and textile waste in landfills.
- Recycled polyamide yarn saves up to 80% in energy expenditure compared to conventional polyamide.
- While an average conventional polyamide garment requires 12 kWh, garments with recycled polyamide reduce this consumption to 9.6 kWh per garment.
- By avoiding the use of conventional polyamide in our fabrics, a total savings of 6,805 kWh of energy has been achieved.
- The use of recycled polyamide does not compromise its quality, as it maintains similar properties in terms of strength, durability, and versatility.
During the year 2023, 2,854 units of recycled polyamide garments were produced, equivalent to 420kg.
Details matter, and the final packaging is also a key part of the production chain in terms of environmental impact. That's why at Brava, we opt for environmentally friendly materials and avoid the use of plastics at all costs. Additionally, all our trimmings are produced in Spain and Portugal.
BUTTONS AND TRIMMINGS
In our trimmings and finishes, we use sustainable alternatives, such as buttons made entirely from corozo, a more natural and biodegradable option.
BAGS
The packaging bags we use for our shipments are made from corn and are completely biodegradable. We opt for these bags to minimize our ecological footprint.
TAGS AND SEALS
For our external labels, we also opt for sustainable materials, such as recycled paper and plastic, which are only found in the seal closure, and cotton thread.
TEXTILE LABELS
For the internal labels of the garments, where we find the product composition, we use recycled polyester, avoiding the use of virgin resources.
FACTORIES
The proper functioning of our factories is crucial to us, and even more so are the conditions of the people who work in them. At Brava, we collaborate closely with our suppliers and rigorously monitor compliance with their commitment to providing ethical working conditions. Through regular visits to our factories, which are conducted 1 or 2 times per month, we ensure the health and well-being of our workers: we ensure that the facilities are spacious, with natural light, and that employees follow a work schedule aligned with the agreement. As a fundamental requirement, all our partners must sign our code of conduct, which establishes these rights. We do not work with any supplier who does not commit to this pledge.
For the transportation of our goods, we prioritize the exclusive use of land and sea transportation, completely avoiding the most polluting option: air transport. In most of our routes, we rely on the efficiency of road transportation, while for the remaining routes, we opt for maritime transport. Additionally, due to the proximity of most of our factories and suppliers, the distances covered by these means are relatively short.
As a result of the audits carried out in the factories of our suppliers, compliance with the following quality standards has been verified:
1. Traceability of recycled materials
An effective ERP system for tracing products, recycled materials, and their calculation process is established.
2. Labor equity
Good practices in equal treatment for workers have been verified, and processes are established to prevent discrimination.
3. Health and safety
Adequate health and safety standards are maintained, from the provision of safety equipment to the adoption of rigorous protocols to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
4. Environmental respect
Environmental laws and regulations are complied with, and a commitment to maintaining responsible environmental
practices is established, especially highlighting recycling and waste management.
5. Responsible management of organic materials
Carefully designed procedures are followed for the segregation and correct identification of these materials, ensuring their proper and sustainable handling at each stage of the supply chain.
Each of the factories we work with signs a code of conduct in which they commit to complying with the following points:
1. Compliance with labor laws and regulations; suppliers must adhere to all applicable local laws regarding labor, business ethics, transparency, and environmental regulations.
2. Prohibition of child labor; there cannot be children under 14 years of age or below the legal minimum age working in the factories.
3. Prohibition of harassment or abuse; suppliers must provide a work environment free from harassment, abuse, or workplace punishment, ensuring respect for the rights and dignity of workers.
4. Prohibition of forced labor; suppliers must ensure that all work is voluntary and free from any form of coercion, including forced labor.
5. Compensation and benefits;suppliers must comply with local laws regarding wages, including payment for overtime and holidays, and provide all legally mandated benefits.
6. Working hours;should not exceed legal limits with at least one day off each week.
7. Prohibition of discrimination; employment decisions must be based solely on an individual's ability to perform their job, without discrimination based on personal characteristics, beliefs, or gender.
8. Health and safety; they must provide a safe and healthy work environment, including clean drinking water, medical resources, safety equipment, and adequate training.
9. Freedom of association and collective bargaining; they must respect employees' rights to free association and collective bargaining, without discrimination.
10. Environment; they must comply with environmental regulations and demonstrate a commitment to environmentally conscious practices, including energy and water usage, chemical emissions, and waste management.
11. Customs compliance; they must adhere to customs laws, including accurate labeling and maintaining records for all materials and orders.
12. Security; they are responsible for maintaining security procedures to prevent the introduction of undeclared cargo in shipments.
Since March 2023, we have been a B Corp-certified company. This means that we meet of high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits to supply chain practices and input materials. The B Corp certification is proof that we work with a purpose and that, with our ongoing commitment, we seek to make a positive impact on the world.
From the choice of our materials to the final product, we monitor and improve every possible aspect of our supply chain. With respect and transparency, values that drive us, we have come to where we are now, proudly sharing our sustainability
report. However, we know that we are not perfect and we take this challenge very seriously, so we are constantly striving to improve and achieve higher levels of sustainability and responsibility in every aspect of our business.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
As a reference, we focus on the goals established by the United Nations, which represent the sustainable development we would like to see in the world. All sustainable development goals are equally important to us and are an excellent way to focus our efforts on what truly matters.
OUR COMMITMENT
We commit as a team to incorporate sustainability not only into our own agenda but also into yours. Along with our suppliers, our customers, our warehouse, store, and office staff, we are a team with one goal: to make Brava Fabrics a company that makes a real impact.
As we continue to grow, we do not want to lose our core value: bringing respect back to the industry. We want every purchase of our products to become a positive impact on society and the environment, valuing the work of all the people who make up this sector. For us, it is just as important to buy sustainable garments as it is to take care of the ones we already have, which means respecting the work and resources that have made that product possible.
Our goal is to create meaningful, durable, and attractive garments over time.
Brava Fabrics Team